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Ecodesign requirements for energy-using products: Commission implementing powers

2006/0291(COD)

The European Parliament adopted, subject to amendments, the report by Frederique RIES (ALDE, BE) on the Commission proposal aiming to align Directive 2005/32/EC establishing a framework for the setting of ecodesign requirements for energy-using products, and other related directives to the new comitology procedure, regulatory procedure with scrutiny.

A new series of compromise amendments were approved by the EPP-ED, PES, ADLE, Greens/ALE, GUE/NGL and UEN political groups which aim to amend the proposed directive.

The amendments are of a technical nature stating that power should be conferred on the Commission to adopt implementing measures laying down ecodesign requirements for defined energy-using products, including the introduction of implementing measures during the transitional period, and provisions on the balancing of the various environmental aspects. Since those measures are of general scope and are designed to supplement this Directive by the addition of new non-essential elements, they must be adopted in accordance with the regulatory procedure with scrutiny provided for in Article 5a of Decision 1999/468/EC.

Furthermore, guidelines covering specificities of the SMEs active in the product sector affected may accompany the implementing measure may also be adopted in accordance with the new procedure. If necessary, further specialised material may be produced by the Commission for facilitating implementation by SMEs.

A statement by the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission was included which states that in view of the importance of the rapid adoption of new implementing measures in the context of Directive 2005/32/EC in the interests of energy efficiency and the environment, the three institutions should apply the regulatory procedure with scrutiny as fast as possible, by working swiftly, flexibly and efficiently, and paying particular attention to an effective coordination and communication between their secretariats.